The jury is still out on whether giving a pet as a gift is a good idea, Ricky Whitman said.

“Studies have shown that people feel if they’re given a pet as a gift, they feel an obligation to the animal and they try harder to do well with them.” said Whitman, vice president of community relations at the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA.

Still, Whitman encouarges people to give gift certificates for adoption. The gift certificate, a homemade coupon or a toy promising a future pet is a sweet alternative that allows people to select the right creature to bring home. She adds that you should never give an animal as a present unless absolutely sure the recipient wants one.

If considering a pet for children or the family, be prepared for all the responsibility and make the decision as a family, said Carol Ann Heinis, behavior supervisor at Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA.

The decision-making process should include a discussion of the prospective pet’s future. Will you be able to keep them if you move? Do any family members have allergies to certain animals?

Also consider the family’s lifestyle, activity level and personalities when choosing which animal makes the best fit. For instance, an older animal may be ideal if the prospective owner doesn’t want to train a puppy.

Then remember that having a pet incurs costs too. Can you afford visits to the veterinarian if your animal has a health issue?

Lastly, everyone in the family must agree on the pet.

Heinis said that people often underestimate the novelty of having a pet and how caring for it can become a chore, so she suggests an option — if the children want a dog, consider offering to care for a neighbor’s dog or fostering a dog, this way they can experience the work and the fun before bringing one of their own home. This works for other types of pets as well.

Once the decision is made to bring home a new pet, preparation is key. Purchase all the necessary supplies, such as a litter box, bowls, food, toys, leashes and so on. Check the yard to make sure it is secure and that the home is safe. The local shelter should be able to provide a list of what to do and buy.

“I don’t recommend pets as gifts, but this is a good time to open your hearts and your homes to homeless animals,” said Linda Sackman, Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA health staff manager. “I think it’s something to consider, especially on the adoption front, and for the animals that are less likely to be adopted because they might be a little older or have something going on. The holiday spirit should penetrate our adoption rate. Make adoption your first option when acquiring a pet.”